1 Flu symptoms 2013: Cold or flu - the difference can be important

Symptoms of the flu and the common cold are similar, but diseases are different

So called  common cold and flu are the most common diseases in the autumn- winter season. Apart from being purely a health issue - they are often confused with each other , as many of their symptoms are the same, their importance is growing more and socially. In many countries, statistics show that 70% of the temporary incapacity of the working age population was due to these seemingly harmless diseases. The tools which are used for their treatment are generally higher than those for the treatment of diabetes, for example. These diseases are not only widespread, but also costly to society, so their prevention and treatment are paying more attention.

The flu and the common cold are different diseases, although occurring in similar ways. Both of respiratory infections, i.e. respiratory tract infections caused by viruses. If common cold is misdiagnosed as the flu, it's not a problem. Rarely, and only in the worst case it may lead to secondary bacterial infections of the ears or sinuses, which are treated with an antibiotic. However, if the flu is misdiagnosed as a common cold and do not take more serious measures, there is a potential risk of serious, even life-threatening complications (such as pneumonia).


Some of the flu symptoms and common cold symptoms are similar, but the two diseases can be distinguished. In contrast to influenza, in which the beginning is suddenly mostly colds gradually - 2-3 days after infection with the virus. The first symptoms are usually irritation and sore throat, followed by sneezing and runny nose with plenty of runny nose, malaise, headache. The temperature most frequently is not raised (at least not substantially ) which also differs in comparison with influenza - with its temperature tends to rise to the higher values. 2-3 days after the beginning of the cold may occur a slight cough. Sometimes the symptoms are more severe in infants and young children - in their temperature can be raised to 39-40 ° C.

Colds usually last between 2 and 7 days. Common cold is a disease which may be caused by more than 200 different viruses - most often they are of the group of the rhinoviruses, but may be from other groups - e.g. coronaviruses, adenoviruses, respiratory syncytial viruses, coxsackie, echo virus and others. Therefore, a variety of agents to the production of a vaccine against cold impossible. To reduce the incidence, it is necessary for people to increase their own defenses and to reduce contact with potential virus carriers.